The impact of a spatial occlusion training intervention on pass accuracy across a continuum of representative experimental design in football

ABSTRACT Introduction: The ability to successfully complete a pass in football can positively impact the result of the game. While previous work has identified the importance of perceptual behaviours before and during passing action, there is a paucity of research analysing the impact of training interventions on pass performance. Methods: A tri-phasic approach was employed to assess the impact of training with spatial occlusion goggles. Each phase was designed to assess participants’ ability to control and pass a football during a representative experimental task. The study design consisted of a pre-test, 2-week training intervention, post-test and 2-week retention test. Results: Significant improvements in response accuracy (p <.05) and response time (p <.05) were displayed across all three phases for those who wore occlusion goggles. Control error (p <.05) showed a significant improvement during phase one and phase two only. There were no sustained significant changes for those who did not wear the occlusion googles. Conclusion: Findings suggest that guiding the visual system away from the lower limbs while receiving a football and towards relevant information, the movement of a particular participant, within the environment can improve pass accuracy and speed of pass following a training intervention with occlusion goggles.